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State Bans Most Outdoor Burning on June 1

Staff Writer

Thursday, May 28, 2015

MAMMOTH LAKES, CA

As drought conditions continue to increase fire danger in the region, CAL FIRE has suspended all burn permits for outdoor open residential burning within the State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) of San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono Counties. This suspension takes effect at 6 a.m. on June 1, and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris, including branches and leaves.

CAL FIRE Division Chief Paul Melendrez said, “The conditions we all experienced in February during the Round Fire in Mono County reminds us all of the importance of defensible space and being prepared in the event of a wildland fire.”

Similar to last year, CAL FIRE has already responded to significantly more wildfires than the average. CAL FIRE is asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires including maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home.

Here are some tips to help prepare your home and property:
• Clear all dead or dying vegetation 100 feet around all structures.
• Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants
• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy facility

The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health, safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

Campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property that are otherwise permitted will be allowed if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland.